The stereotype is true. People in Ireland love to drink.
The propensity to drink in this tiny island is real. There is a pub on every corner, and some people think of it as a pilgrimage to head to Ireland for a pint or a glass of whiskey. And why blame them? The country is home to Guinness (arguably the world’s most recognized beer brand), in addition to other brands such as Bushmills, Baileys, and Jameson.
But while most people may be flying across the pond for the alcohol they might want to stay for the food. I’m just going to put this out there–I’ve had some of the best food in years during my recent trip to Ireland. Things just taste better out here.
When you look at geography and demographics it all makes sense. The island is as big as the State of Indiana, and has a population just shy of 4 million. Everything here is farm to table…by default. Nothing here is advertised as “local” or “organic,” here, just because it is.
Still, the country is fighting the perception that their food is all stews and blood sausages. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of places to find those items (though I really had to pass), but the food scene is as dynamic and vibrant as ever–you just don’t know it yet. Organizations such as Good Food Ireland are trying to spread the word.
Nancy Hands
We went to this place on a whim for a quick lunch with very low expectations and no clue of it’s high Yelp rating. The spot itself looks exactly like an old school public house should–wood panelling, creaky chairs, stuffy smell, and multiple beer taps. Yes, the beer is great, but the food is simply incredible. After a recommendation from our friendly waitress we went with the open-faced salmon sandwich. And wow, we were not disappointed.
30-32 Parkgate Street
Dublin 8
Ireland
Drury Buildings
Of course, Ireland is not all pub culture, and just like the rest of the world, it has a multitude of cocktail bars and trendy dining establishments. One of note is Drury Buildings. The interiors and exteriors feel like I stepped back into Williamsburg, but the spot didn’t feel trendy at all. They pride themselves on cocktails but honestly I would skip them and go for the great P 4.5 Stout beer and the delicious small plate food offerings. Tops on the list for me were the Smoked Mackerel Pate and the tuna stuff artichoke hearts.
55 Drury St
Dublin 2
Ireland
Yamamori Izakaya
One of the best things about Dublin is that the people are very much open to helping you find the right place to fill your belly. We were recommended this place by someone on the street trying hawk their mobile app. As one who takes my Japanese food seriously I found this place kind of suspect–it seemed more like a drunkards bar with a smattering of Japanese art for authenticity and American moves playing on the projector. However, I do have to say this place really blew me away in terms of food quality. The Duck Confit and the Ebi Gyoza (prawn dumplings) were tops on my menu, and the 5 plates for 35€ is not a bad deal. Another recommendation is the Kikusakari Sake Kurashizuku which was incredible.
13 S Great George’s St
Dublin
Ireland
Farmer Browns
A friend whom I had not seen in over 10 years recommended this place for lunch and I was not disappointed. Although they advertise “soul food” in their title I avoided the pulled pork and went straight for the open faced chicken “sandwich.” The chicken was great, cooked in a sweet sauce and sauteed with onions, and an amazing slaw.
25A Bath Ave
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ristorante Romano
Again, another recommendation, this time from a cab driver. Romanos is kind of an odd place. A divey Italian restaurant run by South Asians. Usually that’s a warning bell, but we proceeded anyway. The first thing we noticed when we walked in was the smell–it was glorious combination of fresh herbs and garlic. They could’ve pipped them in from the vents for all that matter but we were sold.
The pasta is homemade and you can tell the difference. The seasonings on my shrimp pasta were so fresh that I could taste every ounce of parsley and thyme. Just don’t expect great service, but if you can stomach it, the food is way worth it.
12 Capel St
Dublin